How Michael Costa Conquered Diabetes and Found His Passion for Running

Michael Costa’s running journey began with the desire to improve his health and better manage his type 1 diabetes.

What started as a 10K goal quickly blossomed into a passion for running. Overcoming the unique challenges of managing diabetes while training, Costa has refined his strategies to control blood sugars during long runs.

Fueled by a supportive family and a deep love for running, Costa is living his best life as a runner living with type 1 diabetes.

Beyond Type 1 caught up with Michael to get his ideas about being an endurance athlete with type 1 diabetes.

What Inspired You to Start Running?

I started running to be in better shape. I wanted to get healthier and better manage my diabetes.

I signed up for a 10K early into my running journey to see if I could do it. When I crossed the finish line, I caught the run bug for sure. I have never felt a better feeling than how I did crossing that finish line. I was so proud of my body.

As a person with diabetes, it is so amazing to see my body do things I never thought I could do.

How Do You Manage Your Diabetes During Long Training Runs?

It comes with a bunch of trial and error.

Experience from practicing fueling and learning my body the past 3 years of running. I learned how to fuel and control my sugars for my runs.

Can You Describe Any Specific Challenges You’ve Faced While Running with Diabetes?

Blood sugars are the biggest factor in figuring out my days. This also includes running.

People with diabetes don’t just say, “I feel like going for a run today. Let’s go!” I have to ask myself, “Ok, what is my blood sugar? How has my insulin sensitivity been? Have I eaten recently? Do I have insulin on board? How long am I going to run for? Do I have enough fuel on me plus extra for emergencies to last what I want to do?”

What Are Your Go-to Strategies for Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Levels During Races?

Seeing how I feel, and my Dexcom G7.

How Do You Prepare Your Gear and Supplies for Runs to Ensure Your Diabetes Management is Covered?

From experience and practice, I know what best suits me for my running, so now I know what to bring with me.

Have You Had Any Memorable Moments or Breakthroughs Related to Your Diabetes While Training for—or Running—a Marathon?

The best is getting home after a long run and checking your blood sugar and seeing it right where you want it to be. Then you know you fueled correctly!

What Advice Would You Give to Other People with Diabetes Who Are Considering Running a Marathon or Taking on Similar Endurance Challenges?

You can do it! Don’t let diabetes hold you back! It may take practice and trial and error, but you will dial it and nail it!

How Has Running Impacted Your Overall Diabetes Management and Health?

It does wonders for my blood glucose control. It also helps me keep my other health markers in check.

And it also keeps me grounded. It does wonders for my mental health. I fell deeply in love with running and think of it as my partner in crime to combat health and mental-health issues.

Do You Follow a Specific Diet or Nutrition Plan While Training and Running? If so, what does it look like?

My own experience has shown me that a plant-based diet is the most suitable for my way of life!

It helps me control my blood sugar, gives me the carbs I need to run, and it gives me all of the amazing benefits plants give you to recover and be healthy.

How Do You Balance the Demands of Marathon Training With Your Day-to-Day Life and Diabetes Care?

Time management is key.

You have to schedule out your day so you know you will have the time to train and fuel properly.

What Kind of Support System Do You Have in Place For Your Marathon Journeys?

My parents are literally the best.

They have always supported my goals, ever since I was a child.

They taught me to always have big goals. They have also given me my work ethic that pushes me to complete my goals.

How Do You Handle Any Potential Emergencies or Low-Blood-Sugar Situations During Races?

I always carry extra glucose gels on me!

What Motivates You to Keep Going, Especially During Tough Training Sessions or on Race Daya?

Just to think of the feeling of how good it is to complete a hard workout or a goal that feels impossible. Those feelings give me the strength and energy to push through whatever comes my way.

Can You Share a Particularly Challenging or Rewarding Experience From Your Marathon Training or Race Day?

I have gone through some injuries and other setbacks that have stopped me from racing as much as I would have liked. It has only made me smarter and stronger.

Every day I learn from my mistakes, learn more about my body, and train to be the best runner I can be. Hours of training, doing rehab exercises, doing strength exercises, going to sleep early, eating a clean diet.

All were challenging at first but have become a part of me and have made me stronger and smarter than I ever could imagine.

How Do You Celebrate Crossing the Finish Line After a Long Runs? What Does It Personally Mean to You?

It means the world to me.

I have been training for marathon distances for a while and keep having some sort of setback. When I cross the finish line, I’m on Cloud 9.

Then, after eating something big, I usually enjoy lying down.

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